Pupils are STARS for Ditching Cars

Pupils and staff have been hailed as stars for ditching cars and travelling to school in a sustainable and safe way.

The school gained the Modeshift STARS Bronze accreditation for reducing the numbers of people arriving by car and by encouraging getting more pupils walking, cycling and scooting.

On Thursday, 15 November, pupils were invited to a celebration event at the Council House in Victoria Square, where they were presented with the award by Birmingham City Council’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Lines. The children also took part in activities on the topic of sustainable travel.

Pupils and staff at the school have taken part in a number of awareness and training sessions on sustainable travel including road safety. The sessions have been heralded a huge success after resulting in the reduction in the use of cars and an increase in pupils travelling to school on foot, bike and public transport. Despite an increase in pupil numbers at the school, which opened in 2016, there has been an overall reduction in school traffic.

The well-being of pupils has benefited too, with a 40% increase in number of pupils walking to school and 3% of pupils now travelling to school by bike (compared to 0% previously). Of the pupils travelling to school by car, 34% now care share with other pupils, reducing the number of car journeys and easing congestion around the school.

There has also been a 14% reduction in numbers of staff driving to work, with just over 50% now arriving by car.

Other measures to improve congestion and parking near the school have included an extension of the time when children can be dropped off at school, which is now 7.30-8.30am.

Principal Rifat Batool said:

“Our school is committed to supporting sustainable travel initiatives. This commitment is part of the school’s overall strategic vision to be good neighbours, care for the environment and to encourage a healthy lifestyle. We welcome the opportunity to raise children’s awareness of their impact on the local environment, as well as encouraging them to get moving and lead active lifestyles. We have worked incredibly hard over the last year to encourage active and sustainable travel and the hard work has really paid off with all the support and commitment from our pupils, parents and staff. The school is now looking forward to working its way towards achieving the silver award.”

Modeshift STARS is a national school awards scheme that encourages schools across the country to increase levels of sustainable travel and active travel to improve the health and well-being of children and young people. For further information on Modeshift visit www.modeshift.org.uk.

 

Birmingham City Council’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Lines with Assistant Principal Farina Bolia and pupils Mohammad Yusuf, Nuha Maflahi and Sara Saqib

Assistant Principal Farina Bolia, Senior Transportation Officer Mandi Slater, pupils Sara Saqib, Mohammad Yusuf and Nuha Maflahi, with Road Safety Officer Paul DaSilva

Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 21st Nov 2018 | Posted In:

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